Flared-opening drawstring closure cell phone carrier

ABSTRACT

A cell phone carrier designed to be appropriate and fashionable in multiple social settings and situations, which will be comfortable and convenient to use and carry, and which will be low cost to produce. This cell phone carrier design also facilitates easy imprinting of indicia, which coupled with the low cost of production will readily enable usage as an advertising vehicle in large scale promotions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is in the area of carriers for small personal items,especially for carrying items such as cell phones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cell phones are relatively delicate electronic devices. However, littlethought seems to be given by their designers to the transport andprotection of cell phones. Whether for safety or convenience people wantto keep their cell phone always handy. They are becoming small enough tocarry within one's pocket, but their displays and plastic panels areeasily scratched by keys, etc. when carried in a handbag or pocket. Anexception might be the clam shell type cell phones, which shut to hidethe display and keypad. These are usually the most expensive variety ofphone however, and are thus the least common type in use, and even forthis type of cell phone the exterior of the cell phone can be easilyscratched or marred.

Many varieties of cell phone carriers and cases have been patented ormarketed, which provide some measure of protection and which usuallyfacilitate carrying the cell phone. Additional features could also bedesirable for a cell phone carrier. The following is a list ofrequirements one might evaluate a cell phone carrier against:

-   -   1. Provides scratch and abrasion protection, and possibly bump        protection.    -   2. Has low cost of purchase relative to the cost of the phone.    -   3. Adds little bulk and provides for convenient and comfortable        carrying in a variety of ways, such as in a trouser pocket or        attached to one's person.    -   4. Engenders little or no compromise of cell phone functions.    -   5. Provides wide coverage of cell phone models, where        applicable.    -   6. Provides for easy removal and insertion of the cell phone,        where applicable.    -   7. Fashionable or at least not unattractive appearance, which is        appropriate to multiple social situations.    -   8. Designed for easy and low-cost application of advertising        indicia

Most people would agree with at least a few of these criteria. Some ofthe criteria don't apply to certain classes of cell phone carrier. Forinstance criteria 5 and 6 wouldn't apply to many custom cell phonecarriers, which are designed to enclose the cell phone even during use.Criterion 7 is only lately being recognized by the public as being ofany importance. Criterion 8 probably isn't currently recognized at allby the public. However, criterion 8 is indirectly of benefit to a cellphone user in that he or she might receive a practical, attractive, andfree cell phone carrier from a motivated advertiser. All cell phonecarriers currently patented and/or marketed fall short on one or more ofthe above criteria.

Cell phone carriers might be classified into three categories. Firstwould be those which are designed to permanently enclose the cell phoneduring transport and use. The second, and probably the largest class ofcell phone carriers, would be those where the cell phone is removed foruse. A third class could be adaptations of prior art which weren'tspecifically designed or targeted as cell phone carriers.

The class of cell phone carrier designed to permanently enclose the cellphone is generally designed for a specific model of cell phone. Becauseof this no examples were found of patents in this category. This type ofcell phone carrier will hereafter be termed a custom cell phone carrier.

For the subcategory of custom cell phone carriers which are designed topermanently enclose the phone, ease of removal doesn't fully apply.However, when it does become necessary to remove the carrier, one mightfind the plastic window fused to the cell phone display. Also thesepermanently enclosing carriers all compromise the cell phone function tosome degree. Plastic windows smudge and become hazy. Orifices andwindows become mis-aligned, and this problem will be compounded when acell phone with an integrated camera is involved.

Of the remaining criteria that apply, custom cell phone carriersgenerally provide scratch protection. They also facilitate carryingthrough a clipping means, although the position of carrying when clippedto one's person is not comfortable or stylish. If worn on the hip thecarrier is easily bumped, such as on door jams. If worn at one's front,it will press into one's stomach when sitting. If worn at one's back,the carrier is highly likely to be sat upon. Wherever it is worn it willmake a lump under a business suit, or clash with fashionable or formalattire. Where it applies, cell phone removal and insertion is generallyadequate. However, cell phone carriers in this class do not satisfy theremaining criteria. Their cost is high relative to the cost of cellphones, and this is especially obvious when a cell phone is providedfree along with a cell phone service contract. The fact that this typeof cell phone carrier works only for a single model of cell phone canstill be viewed as a negative even though it is by design. This becomesapparent when a change of cell phone service provider requires obtaininga new cell phone of a different model. Custom cell phone carriers alsoadd an unacceptable amount of bulk, which will be noticeable whencarrying within a trouser pocket for instance. This is true even when anintegrated clipping means is removable.

Custom cell phone carriers are almost uniformly made from leather orleather-like material, with multiple panels sewn together. The carrieritself is not attractive or fashionable, especially in a business orformal setting. Also this type of construction is not inexpensive, orotherwise suitable for imprinting of indicia, and hence for use as anadvertising vehicle.

The second broad category of cell phone carriers are those which do notpermanently enclose the cell phone. These carriers are usually of aclip, holster or pouch type of construction. Numerous patents were foundof cell phone carriers fitting into this category. Some relativelydistinctive items were also found being marketed, for which acorresponding patent wasn't located.

Some examples of relatively primitive cell phone carriers were found,which probably only satisfy a few of the requirements listed above.Examples are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,535,928, 6,006,969, and 6,076,789. Theseall provided no real scratch protection. They do facilitate carrying onone's person. However the position of carrying, like almost allconventional cell phone carriers, would be cumbersome and unattractive.Further these cell phone carriers are hardly attractive or suitable forbusiness or formal settings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,969 illustrates aproblem observed with many “generic” cell phone carrier designs. This isthat the physical fit for any given cell phone will likely be acompromise. For most phones the fit will be either too loose or tootight. This design is further not likely to be cheaply manufacturable.Also these carriers would add too much bulk to allow comfortablecarrying in a trouser pocket. Lastly, these cell phone carriers areclearly not suitable for imprinting of indicia, logos, or advertisingpromotions.

Numerous instances of holster-like cell phone carriers were found , andwhile these cell phone carriers vary in construction and shape, they canbe considered as a group according to the requirements listed above.They are as follows: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,351,868, 5,511,704, 5,833,100,5,850,954, 5,897,040, 5,947,359, 5,957,357, U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,878B1,U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,182B1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,430B1, U.S. Pat. No.6,367,672B1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,146B2, U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,205B1, U.S.Pat. No. 6,533,150B1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,854B1. These cell phonecarriers are subject to many of the same criticisms as the class ofcustom cell phone carriers. They are not likely to be low cost. Beingconstructed of stiff material, they will provide a compromised physicalfit for any given cell phone. They are not suitable for very high volumeproduction, or for imprinting of indicia and advertising. They add toomuch bulk for comfortable carrying in a trouser pocket. They are notfashionable or appropriate for business or formal settings, and thelocation of the carrier on one's person is likely to be uncomfortable,unattractive, and cumbersome.

A few patents were found which closely resembled the holster-like groupabove. However, these designs differed in the way the way they werecarried on the person. U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,336 provides for carrying onone's torso, and patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,576B1 provides for carryingaround a shoulder strap. The criticisms on comfort and convenience inall body positions, and on inappropriateness for business and formalsettings still apply to these designs. All other criticisms from theprevious paragraph apply to these designs as well.

A class of patents was found for cell phone carriers, which attempt toaddress the requirement for being fashionable and business-appropriate,some of which were design patents. These are: Des.368,800, Des.377,117,Des.382,996, Des.416,132, U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,240, and U.S. Pat. No.6,227,361 B1. A product called “PDA Cell Phone Semi-hard case”, marketedby Cellphone-Accessories.com could also fit into this category. Thesedesigns would still not be appropriate to all social settings and to allgenders, and the above criticism of comfort and convenience in all bodypositions still applies. The problems of being relatively costly, andbeing too bulky to comfortably carry in a trouser pocket applies aswell. Lastly, while some of these designs illustrate artwork ordecorations, the manufacturing materials involved aren't suited to highvolume and low-cost imprinting with indicia. A further criticism of the“PDA Cell Phone Semi-hard Case” is of the magnetic closure. Placing amagnet very near a cell-phone can interfere with the electricalfunctions of the phone, even after the cell phone has been distancedfrom the magnet.

Many custom and non-custom cell phone carriers were found being marketedon the Internet. Most were variations on the designs discussed above. Afew were distinctive enough to merit some discussion here.

Some cell phone pouches were found, which are targeted at the femalemarket, and which try to address the need to be fashionable andattractive in certain social settings. One of these is the “PoirePouch”, found in the Northwest Life section of the Dec. 12, 2003 SeattleTimes. This product is reported as being imported from Japan. Thisdesign while appropriate to some social settings, would not be for all,and would likely not be appropriate for use by men. While the product isdecorated, it does not feature and would not be suited for low-cost andeasy imprinting of advertising indicia. The design likely provides acompromised physical fit for many cell phone models. The design alsoappears to add enough bulk to make it uncomfortable to carry in atrouser pocket. A similar product, called “The Cell Phone Pouch byPriscilla Hewitt” was found atmembers.aol.com/crochetalong/cellpouch.htm. The same criticisms apply tothis product, as to the “Poire Pouch”.

The “R-Bag Hi-Tek Phone Pouch” is a carrier made of nylon rather than ofleather. It was found at www.asisupplier.com. It is advertised asaffording advertising indicia but mainly for premium employee gifts, andnot for very high volume and very low cost assembly and imprinting ofindicia such as would be required for use in advertising campaigns.While the possible variation in materials could make this design morebusiness appropriate, it would still not likely be appropriate to formalsettings. This design would also fail the tests of adding bulk, oncomfort and convenience of carrying, and non-compromised physical fitfor all cell phone models.

The “Travel Phone Pouch” by GO Products, found at www.menda.co.au bearssome similarity to the design In the previous paragraph. However, itdoes not feature advertising indicia and would fail on the othercriteria that design fails on.

The TimBuk2 Designs “Cell Phone Pouch” found at www.bikeworld.com, is apouch-type carrier. While the material of construction and availablecolors address the issue of being business-appropriate. This design islikely not suitable for formal settings. As a one-size-fits-all product,it would likely be a compromise fit for many cell phone models. Thematerial of construction while not stiff, does not seem to be fullypliant. This along with the wide strap could add appreciable bulk andentail discomfort when carrying in a trouser pocket. This design furtherdoes not lend itself to imprinting of advertising indicia.

The “Possum Pam” Mobile Phone Pouch by Cybersales (NZ) Limited, found atwww.nzgifts-souvenirs.co.nz/mobile-phone-pouch.htm, is a draw-stringpouch knit of possum wool. The wool knit material of this design wouldnot be appropriate in formal social settings. Also this material wouldnot lend itself to imprinting with advertising indicia. Further, being aconventional draw-string bag, it could prove difficult to extract thecell phone from the bag, especially when in a hurry to answer a possiblyimportant call.

“The Trapaziod Phone Pouch” found at www.kreiser.net, is a cell phonecarrier targeted towards the outdoors person. It is made of thickwaterproof material, intended to protect a cell phone from bumps andweather. Due to the waterproofing, this material is not likely suitedfor easy and low-cost imprinting of advertising indicia. Also thethickness and bulk of this carrier would not allow it to be comfortablycarried in a trouser pocket. It would likely provide a compromisedphysical fit for many cell phone models. It would not be suited tobusiness and formal social settings, and like the holster-like cellphone carriers discussed above, it would be unattractive anduncomfortable when carried in certain body positions.

Having surveyed the field of conventional cell phone carriers, and foundeach design or product deficient in one or more of the criteria listedat the beginning of this section, other areas of prior art notspecifically concerned with cell phone carriers were investigated. Noprior art was found which would be readily adaptable as a cell phonecarrier, through obvious and non-novel variations in design and/orintended purpose. Detailed discussions of the most closely relateddesigns follow.

A likely place to look for applicable prior art was thought to be in thearea of handbags. U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,838B1 is typical of the handbagdesigns found. This is a design for a drawstring handbag. To adapt thisdesign to become a cell phone carrier capable of meeting the designrequirements listed at the beginning of this section, several changes indesign and purpose would have to be made. First it would have to bereduced in size to fit the proportions of a cell phone. The design ofthe bottom portion of the handbag would need to be changed from a rigidcalabash-shaped section, and to be made from a highly flexible material.Other sections of the handbag would need to made from highly flexiblematerial, rather than from the heavy “durable” materials intended forU.S. Pat. No. 6,564,838B1. Similarly the method and material ofconstruction would need to be modified to better promote very highvolume, preferably automated, and very low cost assembly. Easy and verylow cost imprinting of advertising indicia would need to be addressed aswell. Further, multiple changes in the stated purpose of this designwould need to be made. It would no longer be intended to carry multiple,and collectively relatively heavy, “personal effects”, but rather asingle small and light item. Much greater emphasis and attention todesign details of the opening of the bag would be required to adapt itto the purpose of quickly removing a small item of nearly the same sizeas the bag itself. Also note the main stated purpose of this design isas a handbag, which commonly is used by the female population, and whichis commonly carried by the hand or on the arm. Adaptation as amulti-purpose cell phone carrier would thus further require variation ofthe intended purpose of the design to serve the majority of both themale and female population, and would further need to provide foroccasional carrying within a trouser pocket or attached to someone'sperson by a suitable attaching means.

Various patents which were referred to by U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,838B1 wereinvestigated as well. These are: 19,591, 115,541, 139,335, 595,685,665,942, 2,253,688, 2,377,311. Like the referring patent, these earlierdesigns are focused on obtaining an enclosing bag of substantialstrength and weight, for the specific purposes such as use as a mailbagor handbag. Also like U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,838B1 multiple non-obvious andnovel changes would be required to adapt these designs for the purposesof a multi-purpose cell phone carrier.

Some other patents, not specifically in the area of handbags ormailbags, were found and merit some discussion. U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,761concerns a drawstring bag for carrying coins when in a gamblingestablishment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,999 is a collector for game boardpieces. U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,283 is a reusable gift bag with a drawstringbow for closure. These items bear some resemblance to thehandbag/mailbag family discussed above, and similar considerations applyto the likelihood of adapting them for the purposes of a multi-purposecell phone carrier. These designs are intended for highly specificapplications, and several variations of intended purpose, and of designand construction, would be required for adaptation as a cell phonecarrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The cell phone carrier herein discussed is a subtle but powerfulimprovement on a drawstring bag, and adapted for use as a cell phonecarrier. FIG. 1 depicts a typical embodiment of the invention. This newdesign overcomes the drawbacks of prior art discussed earlier. Inessence this design through one or more of its embodiments will meet allthe requirements listed above for the ideal cell phone carrier.

It will provide scratch and abrasion protection. One of its embodimentsutilizes padded or quilted fabric, and thus would provide bump or impactprotection as well. Another embodiment involves using water-repellantmaterial, or applying water-repellant properties after assembly.

This invention will greatly facilitate carrying of cell phones, in avariety of ways. An embodiment with an integrated clipping means willallow attaching the cell phone carrier to a belt, belt loop, or strap.Since the attaching means isn't rigid or inflexible, the cell phonecarrier will move with a person, and allow for comfortable carrying inany body position. Since the cell phone carrier will essentially conformto the shape of the cell phone, it will add almost no bulk, and willallow comfortable carrying within a trouser pocket. Again because of thelow bulk of the carrier, it will allow for comfortable carrying beneatha business suit. Further, because the cell phone carrier is made frompliable material that will conform to the shape of a cell phone, it canbe sized to accept a wide range of cell phone sizes with a minimum ofcompromise in fit.

Because this design entails removing the cell phone for use, it will inno way compromise the functional design of the cell phone. There will beno need to squint through filmy plastic windows or mis-aligned aperturesto see the phone display or phone keys. Further, the flared mouth willenable quick and easy removal of the cell phone from the carrier. Easeof removal will be further accentuated with the embodiment of theinvention which integrates handles at the mouth of the cell phonecarrier. After use, the cell phone will be easily replaced within thecell phone carrier as well.

Through one of its embodiments, this cell phone carrier will alsoaddress the requirement for a fashionable and attractive appearance.Through choice of colors and/or indicia, a version of the invention canbe produced which will be appropriate for any social setting includingbusiness, formal, informal, and social situations. The various shapes ofthe carrier are distinctive and pleasing to the eye.

This invention will entail very low cost to manufacture, which willresult in low cost to consumers. Materials and automated processes arenow readily available to enable easy and low-cost imprinting of indicia,and to enable a highly automated assembly process. Wholesale cost willreadily enable utilization of this cell phone carrier in very largescale advertising promotions.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a typical embodiment of the cell phone carrier, includingadvertising indicia and handles for easier opening.

FIGS. 2A to 2I show the details of assembly for the preferred embodimentof the cell phone carrier.

FIGS. 3A to 3I show the details of assembly for a second basicembodiment of the cell phone carrier.

FIGS. 4A to 4K show the details of assembly for a third basic embodimentof the cell phone carrier.

FIG. 5 shows a variation of the preferred embodiment which incorporatesan identification badge holder

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIG. 1—TYPICAL EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 displays the typical embodiment of the cell phone carrier. Itillustrates many of the most important advantages of the invention. Themost distinctive advantage is the flared mouth of the cell phone carrierin the open position. It is clear that cell phone 61 can thereby bequickly removed and replaced, and that this will be facilitated byhandles 62. Another distinctive benefit is the enabling of very low costassembly and imprinting of indicia 63, due to the simplicity of thedesign of the bag 5. This feature will greatly facilitate employing thecell phone carrier in advertising campaigns, and which will benefit bothadvertisers and consumers. Also shown is a typical drawstring means 51and clipping means 53, which will allow for easy and convenient carryingon one's person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIG. 2A TO FIG. 2I—PREFERRED BASIC EMBODIMENT

These figures depict assembly, as well as views of the final product forthe preferred embodiment of the cell phone carrier. FIG. 2A shows twofabric panels, labeled 1 & 3, which have been cut to the appropriateshape. Fold lines 101, 103, 105 & 107 show where tabs will be foldedover to serve as strain relief for the drawstring sleeve. If indiciahave been attached, printed or woven into the panels 1 & 3, such indiciashould be face down on the work surface.

FIG. 2B shows the same panels 1 and 3, along with the tabs 201, 203, 205& 207 which are formed by folding at the fold lines 101, 103, 105 & 107from FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C shows panels 1 and 3, now with the tabs folded flat. Also shownis placement of fold lines 109 & 111.

FIG. 2D shows tabs 209 & 211, which are created by folding along foldlines 109 & 111 from 2C. Further shown in 1D is placement of thedrawstring 51.

FIG. 2E shows tabs 209 & 211 now folded flat and seams 301 & 303, wherethe tabs have been sewn to create drawstring sleeves attached to panels1 & 3.

FIG. 2F shows positioning of panel 1 beneath panel 3, in preparation forassembling the panels together into a single bag.

FIG. 2G shows the assembled bag, now labeled 3, which is formed bysewing seams 305, 307 & 309 along the edges of the panels.

FIG. 2H shows the finished product of the preferred embodiment, in theopen position. The assembled bag from FIG. 2G has been turned inside outto hide unfinished seams and edges. Now only the finished sides of theseams are visible. This step would also now reveal any advertisingindica being used for this cell phone carrier. The fully assembled bagis now labeled 5. Also shown in FIG. 2H is clipping means 53, affixed todrawstring means 51, which can be used to attach the cell phone carrierto a belt or belt loop. The distinctive and attractive flared shape ofthe cell phone carrier mouth is now apparent in FIG. 2H.

FIG. 2I shows the cell phone carrier in the closed state.

Some additional remarks should be made about the assembly processdepicted in FIGS. 2A to 2I. This represents only the logical and typicalsteps involved. This sequence may not be the most efficient from thestandpoint of standard manufacturing processes. Also, some means otherthan sewing could be used to assemble the cell phone carrier. Formaterials such as nylon, the seams might be formed by heat fusing ratherthan sewing. Additional finishing touches might be applied to achieve ahigher quality product. An example would be to serge the seams toinhibit unraveling of the panel edges or fraying of the seams.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIG. 3A THROUGH FIG. 3I—SECOND BASIC EMBODIMENT

This sequence of Figs shows assembly of a cell phone carrier startingwith a single panel of material, rather than the two panels discussed inthe preferred embodiment. Other than that, this sequence process closelyparallels that for the two panel process depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2I.

FIG. 3A shows fold lines 115 & 117 on panel of material 11. As in thepreferred embodiment, indicia if present should be on the side of panel11 which is face down.

FIG. 3B shows tabs 215 & 217 created by folding along lines 115 & 117from FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C shows tabs 215 & 217 now folded flat, and the location of foldline. 119.

FIG. 3D shows tab 219 created by folding along line 119 from FIG. 3C.Also shown is the placement of drawstring means 51.

FIG. 3E shows tab 219 now folded flat and sewn down with seam 311. Alsoshown is fold line 121.

FIG. 3F shows the result of folding the left side of panel 11 along thefold line 121, and beneath the right side of panel 11.

FIG. 3G shows the result of laying the folded panel flat and sewingseams 313 and 315 to create a bag from the single panel.

FIG. 3H shows the result of turning the assembly from FIG. 3G insideout. This embodiment of the cell phone carrier is seen to also have adistinctive and attractive asymmetrically flared shape. This embodimentcan also integrate an attaching means 53 affixed to the ends of thedrawstring means 51. The fully assembled bag is now labeled 13.

FIG. 31 shows this embodiment of the cell phone carrier in the closedstate.

Similar remarks to those at the end of the preferred embodiment sectionapply here as well. Those concerned variations in order of assembly,variations in means to assemble the material panels, and nicer finishingtouches such as serging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIG. 4A TO FIG. 4K—THIRD BASIC EMBODIMENT

These figures illustrate the assembly and finished product for the thirdbasic embodiment of the cell phone carrier. This embodiment is assembledfrom material which is stretchable. This allows the bag to be formedfrom a nearly rectangular material panel, rather than the shaped panelsused for the preferred and second basic embodiments. In use, a means isthen used to stretch the opening of the bag and at that point achieve abag with a flared opening.

FIG. 4A shows panel of material 21 which is stretchable. Fold lines 125& 127 are also shown. As in previous embodiments, if indicia has beenapplied to panel 21, it should be face down.

FIG. 4B shows tabs 225 & 227 formed by folding along lines 125 & 127from FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows tabs 225 & 227 now folded flat. Also shown is the locationof fold line 129.

FIG. 4D shows tab 229 which is created by folding along line 129 fromFIG. 4C. Also shown is the placement of “draw-wire” means 55. Thisanalog of the drawstring from means the previous two embodiments, mustin this case be of a stiff and uncompressable material, such as wire orperhaps stiff plastic.

FIG. 4E shows tab 229 now folded flat over draw-wire means 55, and sewndown with seam 321. In this embodiment seam 321 must be a stretchableseam. In previous remarks about using alternate methods to sewing forassembling panels together, some additional thought would be given tofusing tab 229 to the rest of panel 21. An intermittent fused seam couldbe used, which would still allow the stretchable material to flex. Alsoshown is fold line 131.

FIG. 4F shows the result of folding the left side of panel 21, alongline 131 from FIG. 3E, and beneath the right side of panel 21.

FIG. 4G shows the result of laying the folded assembly flat and sewingseams 323 & 325 to form a single bag, now labeled 23. For this basicembodiment there is no need to use a stretchable seam, or intermittentfused seam, for seams 323 & 325. However these could be stretchableseams as well, which would afford a final assembly which could bestretched in all dimensions. This could yield a cell phone carrier whichwas usable with a wider variety of cell phones.

FIG. 4H shows the result of turning the assembly from FIG. 4G insideout. Note this assembly does not now have a flared shape. Also shown isclipping means 57, slid over the ends of draw-wire 55. Clipping means 57must have a means of easily engaging and dis-engaging the clip action.As with previous embodiments, unfinished seams are now inside the cellphone carrier, and any indicia are now on the outside. The fullyassembled bag section is now labeled 23.

FIG. 4I shows clipping means 57 now slid down to the edge of the bagmouth, and being attached to the mouth of the bag with attachment means59.

FIG. 4J shows the finished version of this embodiment in the open state.When the bag is pulled open and clipping means 57 is engaged, the cellphone carrier now has the distinctive flared shape which will enableeasy removal or insertion of a cell phone. Also shown is a typicalattachment means 53, affixed to the ends of draw-wire 55, which willallow attachment to a belt or belt loop. FIG. 4K shows this embodimentof the cell phone carrier in the closed state. This is achieved bydisengaging clipping means 57, and sliding it down the draw-wire 55 toclose the cell phone carrier.

Similar remarks to those at the end of the preferred embodiment sectionapply here as well. Those concerned variations in order of assembly,variations in means to assemble material panels, and nicer finishingtouches.

FIG. 5—DETAILED DESCRIPTION—EMBODIMENT INCORPORATING AN IDENTIFICATIONBADGE HOLDER

This figure illustrates an embodiment of the cell phone carrier, whichincorporates an identification badge holder 65. Electronicidentification badges are in common use in the business world. A cellphone carrier which facilitates carrying one's badge as well as one'scell phone will be of great benefit. This embodiment could also employadvertising indicia, such as on the alternate side of the bag.

1. A cell phone carrier comprising: a. A suitably sized bag, which is offlexible material, which is assembled from one or more panels ofmaterial or is woven or shaped into a single unit, and which has aflared mouth in the relaxed and unsecured state. b. A means to mate adrawstring with the mouth of the bag, either continuously or at discretepoints along the circumference of the mouth. c. A means to serve as adrawstring for closing the bag.
 2. A carrier as in claim 1 whosedimensions have been re-scaled to accommodate items larger or smallerthan cell phones.
 3. A carrier as in claim 1 which has been embellishedwith indicia.
 4. A carrier as in claim 1 which is used to carryeyeglasses or sunglasses, or any of a variety of small electronic itemssuch as calculators, palmtop or handheld computers, or personalorganizers and contact managers.
 5. A carrier as in claim 1 which has anattaching means affixed to the end of the drawstring means, whichenables the user to attach the carrier to their clothing, such as to abelt or belt loop.
 6. A carrier as in claim 1 which also incorporatesone or more handles to facilitate quick opening of the bag.
 7. A carrieras in claim 1 which incorporates an external identification card holder.8. A carrier as in claim 1 which utilizes a padded or quilted material,to afford some measure of impact protection to the item being carried.9. A carrier as in claim 1 which has a belt or strap formed from oraffixed to the drawstring means.
 10. A carrier as in claim 1, for whichthe material used for the bag has been treated, either before or afterassembly, such as to make the material water-repellant.
 11. A cell phonecarrier comprising: a. A suitably sized bag of flexible and stretchablematerial, which is assembled from one or more panels of material or iswoven or shaped into a single unit. b. A means to mate a draw-wire meanswith the mouth of the bag, either continuously or at discrete pointsalong the circumference of the mouth. c. An uncompressable means toserve as a draw-wire for closing the bag, and to shape the mouth of thebag while it is open. d. A clipping means assembled onto theincompressable draw-wire means, and also attached to the carrier bag atthe mouth of the bag, such that the bag can be opened by pulling theclipping means along the drawstring means and then engaging it tomaintain a flared shape to the mouth.
 12. A carrier as in claim 11 whosedimensions have been re-scaled to accommodate items larger or smallerthan cell phones.
 13. A carrier as in claim 11 which has beenembellished with indicia.
 14. A carrier as in claim 11 which is used tocarry eyeglasses or sunglasses, or any of a variety of small electronicitems such as calculators, palmtop or handheld computers, or personalorganizers and contact managers.
 15. A carrier as in claim 11 which hasan attaching means affixed to the end of the drawstring means, whichenables the user to attach the carrier to their clothing, such as to abelt or belt loop.
 16. A carrier as in claim 11 which also incorporatesone or more handles to facilitate quick opening of the bag.
 17. Acarrier as in claim 11 which incorporates an external identificationcard holder.
 18. A carrier as in claim 11 which utilizes a padded orquilted material, to afford some measure of impact protection to theitem being carried.
 19. A carrier as in claim 11 which has a belt orstrap formed from or affixed to the drawstring means.
 20. A carrier asin claim 11, for which the material used for the bag has been treated,either before or after assembly, such as to make the materialwater-repellant.